Ch. 7.2 Body Planes, Directions, and Cavities Key Terms
what is abdominal cavity
The superior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity; contains most of the digestive organs, kidneys, and spleen.
what is abdominal regions
The nine smaller, imaginary areas into which the abdominopelvic cavity is divided to precisely locate organs (e.g., epigastric, umbilical).
what is anterior
Toward the front (belly side) of the body; same as ventral.
what is bilateral
Relating to or affecting both sides of the body.
what is body cavities
Internal, closed spaces within the body that house and protect the internal organs (viscera).
what are body planes
Imaginary flat surfaces used to slice or section the body or an organ for viewing internal structures.
what are buccal cavity
The mouth cavity, which contains the tongue and teeth.
what is caudal
Directed toward the tail or inferior (lower) part of the body; same as inferior.
what is the cranial
Directed toward the head end or superior (upper) part of the body; same as superior.
what is the cranial cavity
The space inside the skull (cranium) that contains the brain.
what is the deep
Away from the body surface; internal (e.g., bone is deep to the skin).
what is distal
Away from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body (primarily used for limbs).
what is dorsal
Pertaining to the back of the body; same as posterior.
what is the frontal plane
A plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.
what does inferior mean
Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure; below; same as caudal.
what does lateral mean
Away from the midline; on the outer side.
what does medial mean
Toward or near the imaginary midline of the body.
what is the midsagittal plane
A specific sagittal plane that passes directly through the midline of the body, dividing it into equal right and left halves.
what is the nasal cavity
The space behind the nose that filters and warms inhaled air.
what is the orbital cavity
The cavity in the skull that holds the eye.
what is the pelvic cavity
The inferior portion of the abdominopelvic cavity; contains the urinary bladder and reproductive organs.
what is posterior
Toward the back of the body; same as dorsal.
what is proximal
Closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body (primarily used for limbs).
what is the sagittal plane
A plane that divides the body into right and left portions.
what is the spinal cavity
The space inside the vertebral column (backbone) that contains the spinal cord.